A group of female entrepreneurs and business owners in the maritime sector under the aegis of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) has advocated transparency, accountability and honest leadership among Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy space.
President of WISTA, Dr. Odunayo Ani, made the call, yesterday, in her welcome address and goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the Ethics and Integrity Leadership training for Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) in the Abuja MOU Region in Lagos, stressing that only transparency, accountability and genuine leadership would build trust that guarantees business patronage and success.
In her words: “This gathering symbolizes significantly, a speedy advancement of today’s world and this calls for a stronger need to place as greatest in importance, the subject of ethics and integrity in leadership. We may be familiar with the adage that says: “Leaders are not only judged by their accomplishments but also by the moral compass they follow.”
“We, therefore, strongly believe that from this gathering, we will be better prepared with the tools and insights needed to navigate complex ethical challenges and inspire those we lead to uphold the highest standards of integrity. Leveraging ethics and integrity, let us take five elements that could be integrated into the Nigerian maritime sector to improve the overall health and growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.
She maintained that transparency and honest leadership lead to improved stakeholders confidence, adding that maritime Stakeholders are more likely to put their money into a sector that demonstrates ethical practices and integrity and that transparent operations and honest leadership build trust which attracts domestic and foreign investments crucial for the growth of the Nigerian blue economy.
Ani also argued that integrity in leadership brings about increased efficiency, which helps to eliminate corrupt practices such as bribery and fraud, which can cause delays and increase operational costs, just as streamlined operations contribute to higher and profitability for maritime businesses.
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According to her, other benefits of transparency and honest leadership are responsiveness to regulations, improved safety and security, as well as a dedicated workforce.
“Ethics and integrity responsiveness ensure that maritime professionals understand and adhere to national and international maritime regulations. This reduces the risk of legal issues and penalties, fostering a more stable and predictable business environment.
“Ethical leadership promotes a life of safety and security. By prioritizing the well-being of crew members, passengers, and cargo, maritime leaders can significantly reduce accidents and incidents at sea, thereby protecting lives and assets.
“Work environments that prioritize ethics and integrity are more likely to help retain high employee morale. This stability leads to a more experienced and dedicated workforce, contributing to the overall sector productivity and growth,” she stated.
She also enjoined participants to approach each topic with an open mind and a willingness to learn, embrace the discussions, share perspectives and support, adding: “It is through collaboration and mutual respect that we grow stronger together. And at the end of the program, we will have a deeper understanding of ethical principles, practical strategies for maintaining integrity in decision-making and the confidence to lead with authenticity and accountability.”
